Before buying a home, it’s important to consider the building’s foundation and whether there’s a basement or a crawl space beneath your living area.
So, what’s the difference between the two?
As the name suggests, a crawl space is an area that’s anywhere from one to three feet in height which makes it just enough for a person to crawl through it. This is also the place where the pipes and wiring of your house are located, so technicians can crawl their way to fix any problems that may come up. Basement, on the other hand, is a place that contains these pipes and wires, but there is also a lot of unused space that can be put to good use. And of course, you don’t have to crawl to your basement, you can simply go down the stairs as it is large enough to hold many people at the same time.
If you have to choose between the two, it should depend on two factors. The first is the cost. Crawl spaces take anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 to construct while basements can typically run into thousands of dollars. Another factor is the soil condition of the place. If you live in a damp location that experiences a lot of rain, is prone to termites, contains high levels of moisture, or if the soil is sandy, a crawl space is a better choice as the possibility for water to seep in through cracks is less. Statistics show that 98% of homes with basements experience some type of water damage, and this is more acute when the underlying soil is wet.
But regardless of whether you have a basement or crawl space, regular maintenance, especially with respect to mold removal, is an absolute must. A report by Mayo Clinic shows that 93% of chronic sinus infections are attributed to mold and to avoid this, you should do systematic and regular mold removal in your basement or crawl space. One way to avoid the presence of mold is to keep your basement/crawl space dry at all times. But if you notice even a tiny piece of mold, call a good mold removal service right away.
How to keep your crawl space dry?
Here are some tips to keep your crawl space dry at all time.
- Sump pumps help to remove the extra moisture that could eventually lead to molds.
- An energy-efficient crawl space dehumidifier helps to keep the space dry.
- Improve the drainage around your home.
- Use the right insulation for moisture removal.
- Consider covering the floors of your crawl space with heavy-duty plastic known as a moisture barrier.
- To remove dampness, place a large electric fan at the opening and leave it on for at least ten hours.
One or more of these methods will dry out your crawl space and will prevent the growth of molds.
How to keep your basement dry?
Keeping your basement dry is much easier than you think. Here are some ways to do it.
- Make sure that water doesn’t stagnate and the rainwater flows away from your home.
- Basement waterproofing strategies should include the installation of gutters and downspouts that take the water away.
- Use water-resistant paint to avoid seepage.
- Consider using dehumidifiers when needed.
- Use sand or gravel around your home to prevent water seepage.
- Eliminate all sources of humidity in your basement. Fix leaky pipes and avoid drying clothes in the basement as these things can increase the levels of humidity.
Thus, there are some ways to keep your basement dry.
Despite these measures, there is always a possibility for humidity in your crawl space/basement that could eventually lead to the growth of molds. If this happens, call an experienced mold removal company to remove the mold for you. Then, start implementing one or more of the above suggestions to ensure that this area doesn’t become humid again.
